Traveling by air during the festive season is getting pricier. For November trips to Patna, Bihar, around Diwali or Chhath Puja, expect to pay significantly more.
Airfares to Patna have surged by 200% during these festivals compared to regular days. This increase is attributed to multiple factors.
Fewer Flights, More Passengers
One reason for the cost hike is the closure of Go First Airlines. The reduced flight options have led to a spike in demand during festivals, further driving up prices.
Additionally, rising crude oil prices have made aviation fuel more expensive for airlines, contributing to the overall increase in airfares.
Sky-High Festival Fares
During Diwali, air travel has become exorbitantly expensive. On travel portals, airfares between November 9 and 11 for flights to Patna range from Rs 12,173 to Rs 15,026 per person.
This is in stark contrast to the Rs 4,392 charged for November 2 flights. Traveling from Mumbai to Patna between November 9 and 17 for Diwali and Chhath Puja will cost travelers between Rs 12,934 and Rs 18,152.
Similar price surges are seen on routes like Mumbai to Jaipur, where airfares have risen from Rs 8,739 to Rs 9,384 between November 9 and 11.
The Fuel Factor
International crude oil prices are on the rise, and this affects the cost of aviation fuel. Government oil companies increased crude oil prices on October 1.
The recent Israel-Hamas conflict has created uncertainty, and government oil companies might raise Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices again. This could further escalate air travel costs.
As the festive season approaches, the combination of fewer flights and expensive fuel makes air travel significantly more costly during this time.
